cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯr-tə-ˌsȯl 

-ˌzȯl, 

-ˌsōl, 

-ˌzōl

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (such as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone

Examples of cortisol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Stress matters too, Dove notes, since mood swings, anxiety and elevated cortisol prompt extra sweat from the apocrine glands. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Dove notes that perimenopause often brings mood swings and anxiety that elevate cortisol, triggering more apocrine sweating, the kind tied to emotional rather than thermal response. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

The Science Behind The Concept Research indicates that music reduces cortisol levels​, the stress hormone that impairs decision-making and dampens focus. — Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

As a result, the stress hormone cortisol stays elevated, which can raise blood pressure further, fuel inflammation throughout the body, and disrupt how the body processes sugar and fat. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

cortisone + -ol entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cortisol

• aerosol
• alcohol
• arbitral
• basketball
• butanol
• cannonball
• carbinol
• ethanol
• fireball
• gasohol
• gossypol
• guaiacol

Medical Definition

cortisol

noun

cor·​ti·​sol ˈkȯrt-ə-ˌsȯl, -ˌzȯl, -ˌsōl, -ˌzōl 

: a glucocorticoid C₂₁H₃₀O₅ produced by the adrenal cortex upon stimulation by ACTH that mediates various metabolic processes (as gluconeogenesis), has anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, and whose levels in the blood may become elevated in response to physical or psychological stress

called also hydrocortisone